AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data

Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2002 Buick Lesabre

Overall rating NHTSA-grounded

Below average

Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $5,000–$9,000

The 2002 Buick LeSabre faces challenges in reliability, mainly due to visibility, airbag, and electrical issues, as reflected in complaint data.

Most-common failures

Part Typical mileage Cost range Frequency
visibility system50,000–80,000 miles$200–$500very common
airbag system60,000–100,000 miles$300–$1,000common
electrical system70,000–120,000 miles$150–$400common
steering gear80,000–120,000 miles$400–$800occasional
engine cooling system90,000–130,000 miles$200–$600occasional

Scheduled maintenance to budget

Routine items every owner should plan for.

  • oil and filter changes
  • tire rotations
  • brake inspections
  • transmission fluid changes
  • cooling system flushes
  • spark plug replacement
  • belt and hose checks

Warning signs to watch for

Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.

  • foggy or stuck rear window
  • airbag warning light
  • flickering headlights
  • uneven steering response
  • engine overheating

Generated by gpt-4o on 8/23/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.